Pager and paper map sales rise in Moscow due to internet outages

Mar 13, 2026 - 13:10

Residents of Moscow have begun buying pagers, handheld radios, landline phones as well as road and foldable paper maps following internet outages in early March.

Source: Bloomberg

Details: According to data from Wildberries, one of Russia's largest online retailers, sales of handheld radios rose by 27% compared with early February, sales of landline phones increased by 25% and pager sales surged by 73%.

Sales of paper road maps saw the sharpest increase – up by 170%. Foldable maps were purchased 70% more often.

Background:

Mobile internet has been switched off in Moscow from 5 March. Local mobile operators said the disruptions have been caused by "external restrictions" beyond their control.
Losses from the internet outages in Moscow amount to RUB 3-5 billion (about US$38-63 million), or around RUB 41 million (US$510,000) per hour.

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